Joining together

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Riley, 820th Combat Operations Squadron NCO in charge of formal training, explains the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing mission during a local clergy members visit to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 3, 2011. The purpose of the visit was to help build a relationship between off-base churches and the base. By having the local clergy see what Airmen do, it will help them provide better ministry to Team Moody. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Relying on the community

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Riley, 820th Combat Operations Squadron NCO in charge of formal training explains to Joel Stansel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Valdosta bishops counselor, how a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle operates in a deployed location during a local clergy members visit to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 3, 2011. The chaplains on- base rely on the off- base clergy to help Airmen with spiritual needs in the event all of the chaplains are not able to provide that assistance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Visiting Moody

Local clergy members and U.S Air Force Capt. Erik Harp, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing chaplain, center, speak to Staff Sgt. David Bristow, 820th Combat Operations Squadron assistant NCO in charge of armor, about his job during a local clergy members visit to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 3, 2011. This was the first time the clergy member’s visited Moody, but the chaplains hope to make this an annual event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Local clergy visit Team Moody

Published Nov. 10, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Clergy members from churches throughout the local communities took the opportunity to visit Team Moody during a Chapel led visit Nov. 3.

Upon arrival on base the six clergy members received a briefing from U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Stephen Voyt, 23rd Wing chaplain and took a brief tour of the base, where the clergy got to visit the dormitories and learn about a mine resistant ambush protected vehicles at the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

"Our resources at times are limited and improving our relationship with the off-base churches is important," said Voyt. "Letting them see and know exactly what the Airmen are doing will assist in ministering better."

Several off-base churches provide monthly meals for the Airman Ministry Center, but they wanted to know what else they can do to help.

"So many of ya'll aren't from here and we just want to be able to help and make your stay in Valdosta enjoyable," said Chris Michael, First Christian Church pastor. "We want to offer some sort of stability to our military families. So I was looking forward to coming out to Moody and seeing what the Airmen do."

The chaplains on- base rely on the off- base clergy to help Airmen with their spiritual needs in the event all of the chaplains on base are not able to provide that assistance.

"We want to expand our resources so we can reach out to Airmen in all situations," said Voyt. "We can call them to help meet the needs of Moody members."

This was the first time many of the clergy members had the chance to see what the Airmen on Moody do, but the chaplains hope to make this an annual event.